Sport footwear

ABSTRACT

A footwear article has an upper and a sole extending between opposing sidewalls of the upper and having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion. An interior surface of the forefoot portion slopes at least downwardly from an inner side to an outer side of the sole. An interior surface of the forefoot portion and/or the rearfoot portion slopes at least downwardly in a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the sole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 62/061,239, filed on Oct. 8, 2014, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates a sport footwear. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a sport footwear for inclining a foot of a wearer or promoting supination of a foot of a wearer. For example, the present disclosure relates to a sport footwear having a sole portion having a 2° to about 9° upward incline and/or causing a 2° to about 9° supination of a wearer's foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Footwear to be worn for sports, such as walking or running are typically intended to provide a flat foot bed. Such footwears, soles or insoles aim to correct under or over pronating or supinating of the foot when carrying out a walking or running motion. Providing a flat foot bed may help a wearer's posture, reduce risk of injury and/or reduce uneven wear of the footwear. However, such footwears, soles or insoles may not be well-suited for sports or activities that require a motion of the foot and/or leg that does not closely resemble a walking or running motion.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an apparatus or a method that would at least partially solve one of the problems previously mentioned or that would be an alternative to the existing technologies.

According to one aspect, there is provided a footwear article comprising an upper and a sole extending between opposing sidewalls of the upper and having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion, an interior surface of the forefoot portion sloping at least downwardly from an inner side to an outer side of the sole and an interior surface of the forefoot portion sloping at least downwardly in a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the sole.

According to another aspect, there is provided a footwear articling comprising an upper and a sole extending between opposing sidewalls of the upper and having a forefoot portion, midfoot portion, and a rearfoot portion, an interior surface of the forefoot portion sloping at least downwardly in a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the sole and an interior surface of the rearfoot portion sloping at least downwardly from an inner side to an outer side of the sole.

According to another aspect, there is provided a sport footwear comprising:

an upper; and

a sole extending between opposing sidewalls of the upper and having an inclined upper surface for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer.

According to another aspect, there is provided a sport footwear having a sole comprising:

a forefoot portion being configured with a general inclination, from an inner side of the sole towards an outer side of the sole, for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of a foot of a wearer; and

a rearfoot portion being configured with a general inclination, from the inner side of the sole towards the outer side of the sole, for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of the foot of the wearer.

According to another aspect, there is provided an ice skate having a sole comprising:

a forefoot portion being configured with a general inclination, from an inner side of the sole towards an outer side of the sole, for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of a foot of a wearer; and

a rearfoot portion being configured with a general inclination, from the inner side of the sole towards the outer side of the sole, for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of the foot of the wearer.

According to another aspect, there is provided a sport footwear having a sole comprising:

a forefoot portion being at least partially tapered from an inner side of the sole towards an outer side of the sole, thereby for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of a foot of a wearer; and

a rearfoot portion being at least partially tapered from the inner side of the sole towards the outer side of the sole, thereby causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of the foot of the wearer.

According to another aspect, there is provided an ice skate having a sole comprising:

a forefoot portion being at least partially tapered from an inner side of the sole towards an outer side of the sole, thereby for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of a foot of a wearer; and

a rearfoot portion being at least partially tapered from the inner side of the sole towards the outer side of the sole, thereby causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of the foot of the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings represent examples that are presented in a non-limitative manner.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation partially sectioned view of a footwear article according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top plan view of a sole of a footwear article according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation partially sectioned view of a footwear article according to other various exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a sole portion (top portion that contacts the foot of a wearer) of the footwear article (in which several parts are not shown for illustrative purposes) according to various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following examples are presented in a non-limitative manner.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the forefoot portion promotes supination of a foot of a wearer of the footwear article.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the forefoot portion inclines the foot of the wearer towards the outer side of the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the forefoot portion that is sloping downwardly is spaced apart from a front end of the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the forefoot portion is downwardly sloped from the inner side to a location intermediate the inner side and the outer side.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, a height of the forefoot portion with respect to an underlying plane at a proximal hallux portion is greater than a height at a distal hallux portion.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the midfoot portion promotes supination of a foot of a wearer of the footwear article.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the midfoot portion inclines the foot of the wearer towards the outer side of the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, a height with respect to an underlying plane of a first metatarsal portion is greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, a height with respect to an underlying plane of a first metatarsal portion, a height of a second metatarsal portion and a height of a third metatarsal portion are each greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the midfoot portion is further downwardly sloping in a direction from a rear end to a front end of the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, an interior surface of the rearfoot portion is sloping at least downwardly in a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the interior surface of the rearfoot portion is further sloping downwardly in a direction from the rear end to the front end of the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion are formed of one piece.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the one piece is fabricated from molding.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the thickness of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion is substantially constant.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion are substantially rigid.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the upper is bonded to the sole.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the upper and the sole are integrally formed.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the footwear article is a skate.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the skate is chosen from a figure skate, a hockey skate, and a speed skate.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the footwear article is an ice skate.

For example, according to footwear articles disclosed herein, the footwear article is chosen from a running shoe, a hiking boot, an alpine ski boot, a cross-country ski boot and a skate.

It has been observed that when a person is participating in particular types of sports, the movement of a person's leg and/or feet will be different from the leg and/or feet movement of a typical walking/running action. In a typical walking/running action, a person's knee makes a circular motion. For example, in a walking/running action, the foot reaches a supination stance at the arch and subsequently rolls towards the big toe, thereby forming the circular motion.

By contrast, it may be beneficial in some sports for the person's knee to move in a substantially linear (substantially non-circular) manner. These sports include skating, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. For example, these sports often require the person to balance his or her weight on a single leg. This balancing is facilitated when the knee maintains a substantially linear movement. In such sports, the circular motion made during walking/running may be undesirable, and participants in these sports overtie their footwear so as to reduce or prevent the flex that would result in the undesirable circular motion. For example, making the circular motion would cause the participant to lose their balance.

It has been further observed that linear motion of the knee and balancing on a single leg is further facilitated when at least one foot of the person is inclined vertically or outwardly. In inclining thusly, the body weight of the person is also shifted outwardly, which improves balance. For example, the center of mass/gravity of the person is aligned with the person's grounded foot.

The expression “front” as used herein with respect to a sole, a foot, or a footwear article refers to a region that generally corresponds to the toes or forefoot direction of the foot when the wearer's foot is received in the footwear article.

The expression “rear” as used herein with respect to a sole, a foot or a footwear article refers to a region that generally corresponds to the heel or rearfoot direction of the foot when the wearer's foot is received in the footwear article.

The expression “inner side” as used herein with respect to a sole or a footwear article refers to a region that generally corresponds to the inner side of the foot (ex: hallux, medial cuneiform, etc.) when the foot is received in the footwear article.

The expression “outer side” as used herein with respect to sole refers to a region that generally corresponds to the outer side of the foot (ex: fifth phalanx, fifth metatarsal, cuboid) when the wearer's foot is received in the footwear article.

The expression “downwardly sloping” as used herein with respect to a location on a surface of a sole refers to a property of the surface wherein a gradient vector at the location has a non-zero magnitude component. As is well known in the art, each gradient vector has a direction component and a magnitude component, which denote respectively the direction and magnitude of the steepest slope at a point (i.e. direction of the greatest rate of increase and the magnitude of the increase). Accordingly, the surface of the sole at the given location is downwardly sloping in a direction that is opposite to the direction of the gradient vector. For example, a drop of water at given point on the interior surface 104 would flow downwardly in a direction opposite to the gradient vector corresponding to that point. The speed of the flow of that drop of water would further correspond to the magnitude of the corresponding gradient vector.

The expression “height” as used herein refers to the height above an underlying plane when the footwear article is oriented in a substantially upright position. For example, the underlying plane may correspond to the ground supporting the footwear article.

The expression “supinate” or variants thereof as used herein refers to the movement of the foot in which the foot rolls outward with an elevated arch.

Referring now to FIG. 1, therein illustrated is a front elevation partially sectioned view of a footwear article 2 being worn a wearer's foot 4 (right foot). As illustrated, the footwear article 2 is oriented in a substantially upright position, wherein the opposing sidewalls 8 of the upper 16 of the footwear article 2 are substantially upright with respect to the underlying surface 24. As further illustrated, and for example purposes only, the footwear article 2 is a skate, whereby a blade 32 of the skate is supported by the underlying surface 24, which may be a sheet of ice.

The sidewalls 8 extend upwardly from a sole 100 of the footwear article 2. For example, the sole 100 may be bounded to the upper 16 to form the footwear article 2. Alternatively, the sole 100 and the upper 16 may be integrally formed.

Referring now to FIG. 2, therein illustrated is a top plan view of a sole 100 of a footwear article according to various exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that the sole 100 generally refers to a lower member of the footwear article that extends between the opposing sidewalls 8 of the footwear article. The sole 100 includes a forefoot portion 108, midfoot portion 116 and rearfoot portion 124. The sole 100 is generally shaped according to the shape of a wearer's foot 4. When the footwear article 2 is worn, the bottom of the wearer's foot is supported by an interior surface 104 of the sole 100. Depending on the type of footwear article, the exterior surface of the sole 100 may have one or more accessories attached thereto, such as a blade 32 for an ice skate, wheels for a roller skate, or a mechanism for attachment with a ski binding.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of gradient vectors at various points on the interior surface 104 of the sole 100 (left foot sole). The gradient vectors characterize the topology of the interior surface 104. As is well known in the art, each gradient vector has a direction component and a magnitude component, which denote respectively the direction and magnitude of the steepest slope at a point (i.e. direction of the greatest rate of increase and the magnitude of the increase).

The gradient vectors of FIG. 2 characterize the steepest slope at various points on the interior surface 104 with respect to the underlying plane 24 when the footwear article 2 is oriented in the substantially upright position. It will be appreciated that the presence of a plurality of gradient vectors having non-zero magnitude components shows that various points on interior surface 104 have varying heights with respect to the underlying plane 24.

The interior surface 104 of the forefoot portion 108 is sloped at least downwardly from an inner side 132 of the sole 100 to an outer side 140 of the sole 100. This downward sloping of the interior surface 104 of the forefoot portion 108 is shown in FIG. 2 by first gradient vectors 109 a, 109 b, 109 c and 109 d being oriented from the outer side 140 to the inner side 132.

When the footwear article 2 is worn on a wearer's foot 4, the downwardly sloping interior surface 104 of the forefoot portion 108 causes the wearer's foot 4 and leg 110 to be inclined outwardly towards the outer side 104 of the sole 100. The downwardly sloping of the interior surface 104 of the forefoot portion 108 promotes supination of the foot 4 of the wearer. For example, when the foot 4 is inclined in this way or in the supination position, the tibia of the wearer is also oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet are positioned over respective soles 100 of the left footwear article and the right footwear article, the left and right tibias of the wearer are oriented away from one another.

Referring back to FIG. 2, according to various exemplary embodiments, the downwardly sloping part of the forefoot portion 108 is spaced apart from a front end 164 of the sole 100. Accordingly, a height with respect to the underlying surface 24 of the interior surface 104 at its inner side 132 at a location spaced apart from the front end 164 is greater than a height with respect to the underlying surface 24 of the interior surface 104 of the forefoot portion 108 at its front end 164. For example, when the footwear article 2 is worn on a wearer's foot, the difference in height causes of the wearer's foot 4 to also be slightly inclined towards the front end 164. This forward inclination of the foot further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion 108 is downwardly sloping in a side-to-side direction from the inner side 132 of the sole 100 to a location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. Accordingly, a height of the forefoot portion 108 gradually decreases from the inner side 132 to the location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. The height of the forefoot portion 108 proximate the outer side 140 may be substantially constant.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a height of the interior surface 104 at a proximal hallux portion 172 of the forefoot portion 108 is greater than a height of the interior surface 104 at the distal hallux portion 180 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, the forefoot portion 108 may be further partially downwardly sloping in a direction from the rear 244 to a front 164 of the sole 100 (as denoted by gradient vector 182) For example, when the footwear article 2 is worn on a wearer's foot, the difference in height causes of the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the front end 164.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the height of the distal hallux portion 180 is substantially equal to at least a height of the distal fifth phalanx portion 188 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, the height of distal portions of the second to fifth phalanges may be substantially equal. For example, a height of the front end 164 of the sole 100 corresponding to the distal ends of the five toes of a wearer's foot 4 placed over the sole 100 may be substantially equal. For example, by having substantially equal heights for the distal ends of toes of the wearer, a flat position of the front ends of the toes of the wearer's foot 4 is promoted.

Continuing with FIG. 1, the interior surface 104 of the midfoot portion 116 is sloped at least downwardly from an inner side 132 of the sole 100 to an outer side 140 of the sole 100. This downward sloping of the interior surface 104 of the midfoot portion 116 is shown in FIG. 1 by second gradient vectors 190 a, 190 b, 190 c, and 190 d being oriented from the outer side 140 to the inner side 132.

When the footwear article 2 is worn on a wearer's foot, the downwardly sloping interior surface 104 of the midfoot portion 116 causes the wearer's foot 4 and leg 110 to be inclined outwardly towards the outer side 104 of the sole 100. The downwardly sloping of interior surface 104 of the midfoot portion 116 promotes supinaton of the foot 4 of the wearer. For example, when the foot 4 is inclined in this way or in the supination position, the tibia of the wearer is also oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet 4 are positioned over respective soles 100 of the left footwear article 2 and the right footwear article 2, the left and right tibia of the wearer are oriented away from one another.

Accordingly, a region of the midfoot portion 116 proximate the inner side 132 of the sole 100 can have a greater height above the underlying surface 24 than the height above the underlying surface 24 of a region of the midfoot portion 116 proximate the outer side 140 of the sole 100. Accordingly, the height of the topside 156 of the midfoot portion 116 relative to the underlying surface 24 may be gradually decreasing in a direction from the inner side 132 towards the outer side 140.

For example, a height of a first metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion 116 is greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion 116.

For example, a height of a first metatarsal portion, a height of a second metatarsal portion, and a height of a third metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion are each greater than a height of the fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion 116.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the midfoot portion 116 is raised with respect to the forefoot portion 108 and the rearfoot portion 124 such that the height of interior surface 104 at the portion of the midfoot portion 116 is greater than a height of the interior surface 104 at either the forefoot portion 108 and rearfoot portion 124. The greater height of the midfoot portion 116 is shown in FIG. 2 by third gradient vector 192 a and 192 b located proximate the forefoot portion 108 and showing a downward sloping from the midfoot portion 116 towards the forefoot portion 108. The greater height of the midfoot portion 116 is also shown in FIG. 2 by fourth gradient vectors 194 a and 194 b located proximate the rearfoot portion 124 and showing a downward sloping from the midfoot portion 116 towards the rearfoot portion 124. The greater height of the midfoot portion 116 is provided to accommodate and support a medial arch of the wearer's foot 4. However in some embodiments, the downward sloping from the midfoot portion 116 towards the forefoot portion 108 can promote slight inclination of the wearer's foot 4 towards the front end 164, thereby further promoting linear motion of the wearer's knee.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the interior surface 104 of the rearfoot portion 124 may also be sloped at least downwardly from an inner side 132 of the sole 100 to an outer side 140 of the sole 100. This downward sloping of the interior surface 104 of the rearfoot portion 124 is shown in FIG. 2 by fifth gradient vectors 196 a, 196 b, 196 c, and 196 d being oriented from the outer side 140 to the inner side 132.

When the footwear article 2 is worn on a wearer's foot, the downwardly sloping interior surface 104 of the rearfoot portion 124 causes the wearer's foot 4 and leg to be inclined outwardly towards the outer side 104 of the sole 100. The downwardly sloping of interior surface 104 of the forefoot portion 108 promotes supinaton of the foot 4 of the wearer. For example, when the foot 4 is inclined in this way or in the supination position, the tibia of the wearer is also oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet are positioned over respective soles 100 of the left footwear article and the right footwear article, the left and right tibia of the wearer are vertically or oriented away from one another.

According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one region of the rearfoot portion 124 slopes downwardly continuously from the inner side 132 to the outer side 140.

According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the at least partially tapered portion of the rearfoot portion 124 extends in a side-to-side direction from the inner side 132 of the sole 100 to a location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outerside 140. Accordingly, a height of the rearfoot portion 124 gradually decreases from the inner side 132 to the location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140 corresponding to an edge of the at least partially tapered portion of the second incliner of the rearfoot portion 124.

According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, at least one region of the rearfoot portion 124 slopes downwardly in a side-to-side direction from the inner side 132 to a location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. Accordingly, the height of the rearfoot portion 132 gradually decreases from the inner side 132 to the location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. The height of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the outer side 140 may be substantially constant.

According to various exemplary embodiments at least a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the outer side 140 of the sole may be further downwardly sloping from the rear end 244 of the sole 100 towards the front end 164 of the sole 100. Accordingly, when the footwear article 2 is worn, the rearfoot portion 124 promotes the forward inclination of the outside of the foot, which further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.

According to an alternative embodiment, a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the inner side 132 of the sole 100 and extending from the rear end 244 to the midfoot portion 116 may have a substantially constant height.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a height of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the rear end 244 of the sole 100 is greater than a hallux region of the forefoot portion 108. For example, this region of the rearfoot portion 124 corresponds to a calcaneus of the wearer's foot 4. Accordingly, when the footwear article 2 is worn, the difference in height behind the region of the rearfoot portion 124 and the hallux region of the forefoot portion 108 promotes the forward inclination of the outside of the foot 4, which further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.

The forefoot portion 108, midfoot portion 116 and rearfoot portion 124 of the sole 100 are formed in one piece and of a rigid material. For example, the rigid material may be a polymer or a derivative thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 4, therein illustrated is a perspective view of the sole 100 (detached from upper 16) according to various exemplary embodiments. A longitudinal axis 106 of the sole 100 extends between a hallux portion and a center of the heel 244 of the sole 100. A plurality of lateral vectors 107 that are each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106 is also defined. Each vector 107 resides within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106. It will be understood that different vectors 107 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 reside in different planes that are each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106.

The lateral vectors 107 correspond to orientations of an upper surface 156 of the sole 100 in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106.

For example, lateral vectors 107 may each define a tangent to the upper surface 156.

Alternatively, the lateral vectors 107 may each define an average of the orientations of the tangents to the upper surface 156 along a path from the inner side 132 to the outer side 140 of the sole 100 within a plane that is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.

Alternatively, the lateral vectors 107 may each define a vector extending between an intersection of the upper surface 156 with the outer side 140 to an intersection of the upper surface 156 with inner side 132, each intersection being within the same plane that is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.

The lateral vectors 107 define an upward inclination of the upper surface of the sole body 104 along a path from the outer side 140 to the inner side 132 within a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upper surface 156 has an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along this path from the outer side 140 to the inner side 130 within a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106. That is, each lateral vector 107 according to various definitions provided herein forms an angle 112 with an underlying plane vector 110. For each given lateral vector 107, its corresponding underlying plane vector 110 is the intersection between the underlying plane supporting the sole 100 and the plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106 in which the given lateral vector 107 resides. The angle 112 formed between a given lateral vector 107 and its corresponding underlying plane vector 110 is between about 2° to about 9°. It will be understood that various angles shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes and may show angles 112 that are greater than between about 2° to about 9°

When the sole 100 is positioned within a sport footwear, the underlying plane supporting the sole 100 will be the ground supporting the footwear.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 with respect to the underlying plane supporting it (i.e. angle 112) is between about 4° to about 8°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 with respect to the underlying plane supporting it (i.e. angle 112) is between about 6° to about 8°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination within the ranges disclosed herein extends continuously from a front 164 to a rear 224 of the sole 100. That is, for any given point on the lengthwise axis 106, a plane that includes the given point and is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106 will have a lateral vector 107 and underlying plane vector 110 that form an angle 112 falling within the range of about 2° to about 9° or other ranges disclosed herein.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the interior surface 104 of the sole 100 includes an upper layer having a substantially uniform thickness. The upper layer may have a high friction surface to restrict sliding of a wearer's foot.

When a wearer's foot is positioned within the sport footwear, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about 2° to about 9° supination. For example, when the foot has this amount of supination, the tibia of the wearer is oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet are positioned over respective soles 100, the left and right tibia of the wearer are oriented vertically or away from one another.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about 4° to about 8° supination.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about 6° to about 7° supination.

It has been observed that an amount of supination whereby the wearer's tibia is oriented vertically or outwardly assists the wearer in maintaining balance on one foot only. This assistance may be beneficial in various activities and sports where balance on one foot is required, such as skating, skiing, etc.

It has been further observed that where as a user's knee would typically have a circular motion with respect to the ground when running or walking, maintaining a vertical or outward orientation of the tibia causes the knee to have a substantially linear movement. This linear movement is further beneficial for certain activities and sports, such as skating, skiing, etc.

The incliner may cause the forefoot portion 108 to have an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the forefoot portion 108 and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the forefoot portion 108 has the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion 108 may have an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from an outer side 140 of the sole 100 to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion 108 may have an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from an outer side 140 of the sole 100 to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

The inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the sole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause a supination of about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause a supination about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

For example, the forefoot portion can be configured for causing a supination of about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

For example, the forefoot portion can be configured for causing a supination of about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

For example, the rearfoot portion can be configured for causing a supination of about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

For example, the rearfoot portion can be configured for causing a supination of about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

The incliner may cause the rearfoot portion 124 to have an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the rearfoot portion 124 and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the rearfoot portion 124 has the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the rearfoot portion 124 may have an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the rearfoot portion 124 may have an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

The inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the sole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

The arch 148 may cause the midfoot portion 116 to have an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the midfoot portion 116 and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the midfoot portion 116 has the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may have an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may have an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from an outer side 140 of the sole to the inner side 132 of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

The inclined midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the sole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

The sole 100 may be formed by molding. For example, the sole 100 may be formed by injection molding or compression molding.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the sole 100 may be substantially constant. The substantially constant thickness of the sole 100 can reduce the amount of material required to form the sole 100. The substantially constant thickness can also reduce weight of the footwear article 2, which can provide a significant advantage when the footwear article 2 is used for performance sports.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the sole 100 is illustrated therein has a substantially constant thickness. Accordingly, where a given point on the interior surface 104 has a height greater that another point on the interior surface 104, a point on the exterior surface corresponding to the given point will also have a height greater than the other point.

According to various alternative embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sole 100 may have a varying thickness. For example, a sole 100 having a varying thickness may provide ease of fabrication. Furthermore, the exterior surface of the sole 100 may be appropriately formed so as to provide easier attachment of accessories to the exterior surface. For example, as illustrated, the exterior surface of the sole 100 can have a planar portion for attachment of an accessory, such as a holder 260. The holder 260 may hold a blade 32 (in the case of an ice skate) or wheels (in the case of a roller skate).

While the above has been described generally with respect to sport footwear, it will appreciated that footwear article 2 and sole 100 can be adapted for specific types of sports footwear. In particular, these include footwear for sports where balancing on one leg is required and/or linear movement of the knee of the balancing leg is beneficial.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and sole 100 is for sport footwear article that is an ice skate, such as for figure skating, hockey, or speed skating.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and sole 100 is for sport footwear article that is an ice hockey skate.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and sole 100 is for sport footwear that is a roller skate.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and sole 100 is for sport footwear that is a boot for downhill skiing.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and sole 100 is for sport footwear that is a boot for cross-country skiing.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and the sole 100 is for sport footwear that is a shoe for cycling.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the footwear article 2 and the sole 100 is for sport footwear that is a shoe for golfing.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the the footwear article 2 and the sole 100 is for sport footwear that is a springed boot (or jump boot), such as a Kangoo™ boot.

The person skilled in the art would understand that the various properties or features presented in a given embodiment can be added and/or used, when applicable, to any other embodiment covered by the general scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure has been described with regard to specific examples. The description was intended to help the understanding of the disclosure, rather than to limit its scope. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure as described herein, and such modifications are intended to be covered by the present document. 

1. A footwear article comprising: an upper; and a sole extending between opposing sidewalls of the upper and having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion, an interior surface of the forefoot portion sloping at least downwardly from an inner side to an outer side of the sole and an interior surface of the forefoot portion sloping at least downwardly in a direction from the inner side to the outer side of the sole.
 2. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the forefoot portion promotes supination of a foot of a wearer of the footwear article.
 3. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the forefoot portion inclines the foot of the wearer towards the outer side of the sole.
 4. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the forefoot portion that is sloping downwardly is spaced apart from a front end of the sole.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein a height of the forefoot portion with respect to an underlying plane at a proximal hallux portion is greater than a height at a distal hallux portion. 7-9. (canceled)
 10. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein a height with respect to an underlying plane of a first metatarsal portion, a height of a second metatarsal portion and a height of a third metatarsal portion are each greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion. 11-13. (canceled)
 14. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion are formed of one piece. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. The footwear article of claim 14, wherein the upper is bonded to the sole.
 19. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the upper and the sole are integrally formed.
 20. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the footwear article is a skate. 21-23. (canceled)
 24. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the forefoot portion has an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the sole to the inner side of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the sole.
 25. The footwear article of claim 20, wherein the interior surface has an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from the outer side of the sole to the inner side of the sole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the sole.
 26. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the interior surface has an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from the outer side of the sole to the inner side of the sole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the sole.
 27. The footwear article of claim 24, wherein each of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion has the interior surface having the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along the path from the outer side of the sole to the inner side of the sole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the sole. 28-49. (canceled)
 50. An ice skate, the ice skate having a sole comprising: a forefoot portion being configured with a general inclination, from an inner side of the sole towards an outer side of the sole, for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of a foot of a wearer; and a rearfoot portion being configured with a general inclination, from the inner side of the sole towards the outer side of the sole, for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° of the foot of the wearer. 51-63. (canceled)
 64. A sport footwear comprising: an upper; and a sole extending between opposing sidewalls of the upper and having an inclined upper surface for causing a supination of about 2° to about 9° a foot of a wearer.
 65. The sport footwear of claim 64, wherein the inclined upper surface cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.
 66. The sport footwear of claim 64, wherein the inclined upper surface cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.
 67. The sport footwear of claim 64, wherein the sport footwear is a skate.
 68. (canceled)
 69. The sport footwear of claim 64, wherein the sport footwear is chosen from a figure skate, a hockey skate, and a speed skate. 70-73. (canceled) 